Amerie waited until she ran back to where she had entered the woods before she fell back into the human realm. The further away she was, the less likely she would be caught by any of the police. But then Amerie’s heart pounded with the realisation that there was no way she could tell if this spot in the human realm was now being patrolled. She hesitated, wondering if she was about to make a massive blunder. But time was running out. Amerie shook her head, There’s no time for overthinking. Like ripping off a bandaid all at once, Amerie let herself fall.
The coast was clear. Amerie breathed a sigh of relief and sprinted to her bicycle. She pedalled home as fast as she could, her mind almost dizzy with trying to devise excuses as to why it had taken her so long.
She had had to mediate between a squirrel and crow who had started to fight each other to death? No, that wouldn’t work. I don’t show any signs of scratches or bloodstains. And I’m terrible at resolving arguments.
There had been a gang of thugs who had tried to steal her bicycle for the underground ring of extreme bicycle racing? If I came back with my bike, they would never believe that I had actually fought them off. Besides, I don’t think extreme bicycle racing is actually a thing.
She had to speak to an ancient magical tree about a crazy king and evil sorceress to find four missing children? Who would believe that?
Amerie had just thought she would explain that she was no longer as young as she used to be (after all, twelve was a big step up from eleven) so the walk had taken longer than anticipated, when she neared her house.
She hurriedly flung open the front door. Her mind had already mixed up all the excuses she imagined and was about to yell out some amalgamation of a story about a senior squirrel who had tried to throw a tree at her during the finals of extreme bicycle racing. But she didn’t have to say anything. The house was empty.
What Amerie felt was akin to the feeling of simultaneous pain and relief, like when she had stayed up all night doing a piece of homework last minute when the next morning the teacher had announced a one-week extension for everyone.
Drained, Amerie sprawled on to the sofa. By the time she had regained enough energy to be moderately concerned as to where her parents actually were, they walked in. She tried to look like she hadn’t gotten home less than five minutes ago.
“Amarine,” said her father behind his shoulder, “Amerie’s back. Sorry, Amerie. We had to go out, something came up. I hope you weren’t waiting too long.”
“Aw, it’s alright Dad. I don’t mind,” said Amerie, pleased at how gracious she sounded.
Amarine emerged from behind her husband, puffy-eyed and red-nosed.
“Oh Mum, what happened? Dad, where did you go?”
“Shepherds forest,” he replied quietly.
Amerie’s heart knocked against her ribcage. She knew that her parents had agreed to help with Jack’s investigation. What if they had found Jack? But by her parent’s dejected expression, it didn’t seem like it could have been good news. She clenched her fist, trying to stop herself from thinking the unthinkable.
Amarine held her daughter by the hand, “Amerie, the police gave us - well, me - a call. Whilst searching for Jack, they discovered a huge hollow in one of the trees of the forest. They called me in to inspect it. I’m afraid it’s not safe, especially with the winds that will be coming soon. It has to be cut down.”
Amerie was speechless. The fact a tree had to be cut down did make her feel somewhat sad, but it was relief compared to her worry that they had found Jack’s body.
“That’s really upsetting, Mum. It’ll all be okay though,” Amerie managed.
“My big, brave girl. When did you get so wise?” her mother sniffled, “I know I’m being silly. It’s just that I remember adding it to my catalogue. It’s the oldest tree in Shepherds Forest.”
“The what?”
“I’m afraid so, the oldest tree in the forest. It’s nine hundred and ninety-eight years old. It’s been infected somehow. All the other trees, including the second eldest, are fine. It’s just this one that seems diseased,” she looked perplexed.
Amerie was stunned.
Andin looked at his wife and daughter in sympathy, “Come on,” he said, “It’s been a long day.”
Amerie smiled weakly, but once again she felt almost dizzy.
King Cedrych...is going to be cut down?
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